Disposable bomb arming device



A 1963 w. K. KUNTZ ET Al. 3,101,055

DISPOSABLE BOMB ARMING DEVICE Filed Feb. 28, 1962 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IINVENTORS 17 1/ if W/UMM wA/rz BY 61502655. sow/M52 I WM Aug. 20, 1963w. K. KUNTZ ET Al. 3,101,055

DISPOSABLE BOMB ARMING DEVICE Filed Feb. 28, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2INVENTORS WILL/AM KflA/TZ BY 6150265 E. JOUV/NEE United States Patent3,101,055 DISPOSABLE BOMB ARMING DEVICE William K. Kuntz and George E.Souviner, Indianapolis,

Ind., assignors to the United States of America as represented by theSecretary of the Navy Filed Feb. 28, 1962, Ser. No. 176,461 Claims. (Cl.102-703) (Granted under Title 35, US. Code (1952), sec. 266) Theinvention described herein may be manufactured and used by or tor theGovernment of the United States of America for governmental purposeswithout the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

The present invention relates to a bomb arming device and moreparticularly to a disposable bomb arming device that is used torelectrically arming a bomb after it is launched from an aircraft.

For safety reasons, it is the practice to delay the arming of a bombuntil it starts its travel away whom the aircraft that is carrying thebomb. As most present day bombs are electrically armed, it is thereforenecessary to have an electrical connection between the aircraft and thefuse in the bomb during part of the downward travel of the bomb. Afterthe bomb has traveled a short distance, a switch is normallyautomatically closed and an electrical impulse is then received by thebomb fuse to arm the bomb. After the bomb has been armed, the electricalcable connecting the bomb and the aircraft separates and either travelswith the bomb, or is retracted into the aircraft.

One type of commonly used bomb arming device is shown and described inUS. Patent 2,918,845, entitled, Electric Arming Device. in this type ofarming device, the arming cable is stowed by torming numerous bends tooccupy a stowage space substantially shorter than the straight length ofthe stowed portion. After the arming cable is played-out a. certaindistance, switching means connect the bomb with a voltage source to armthe bomb. After an additional short travel, during which time a voltageis being applied to arm the bomb, the cable separates from the bomb andis carried by the aircraft.

While heretofore available bomb arming devices, such as the one shownand described in the above-mentioned patent, adequately armbombs, theyare, nevertheless, inadequate, as the amount of energy being radiated byelectronic equipment, such as radar and radio gear, has become so greatthat this radiant energy can arm the bomb. The devices of the type shownin the above-mentioned patent are particularly vulnerable to radiantenergy as the folded arming cable acts as an antenna.

The bomb arming device of the present invention is threadedly attachedto a bomb and contains :a circular ch-a channel or groove on the topthat holds the arming cable. The channel is provided with projectinglugs that help retain the arming cable within the groove. A single poleswitch is provided within the casing of the arming device and isactuated by the movement of a pin that is retained by the arming cableportion that is within the channel. When the arming cable is withdrawnfrom the channel, the pin is moved outwardly and actuates a switch whichcloses a circuit to energize the arming unit in the bomb. Means areprovided for increasing or decreasing the length of the arming cycle bythe use of a pin which can be inserted into one of a plurality of slotsto retain the arming cable within the circular channel.

In the present invention, the bomb arming device is designed to use anisolated signal return in order to prevent electromagnetic currents onthe outer skin of the bomb from inadvertently firing the squibs in thefuse. When the bomb arming device is installed in a bomb and the bomblatched to an aircraft bomb rack, the quick disconit is therefore ageneral object of the present invention 7 to provide an inexpensivedisposable bomb arming device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bomb armingdevice that is not affected by radiant energy.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide -a bombarming device that provides adjustable arming cycles.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readilyappreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description when considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings wherein: 1

FIGURE 1 is a side view showing a bomb carried by a bomb rack;

FIGURE 2 is atop View of the present invention;

FIGURE 3 is. a sectional view .taken on line 3--3 of FIGURE 2; 1

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view similar to FIGURE 3 except showing anotherembodiment of the present in vention;

. FIGURE 5 is a schematic wiring diagram;

FIGURE '6 is a sectional view taken on line 6-6 of FIGURE 2; and aFIGURE 7 is a sectional view taken on line 77 of FIGURE 2. I

Referring now to the drawings, FIGURE 1 shows a bomb 11 that is carriedby a bomb rack 12 by means of shackles 13 and 14. The bomb rack 12,which is carried by an aircraft 15', i electrically connected to thebomb 11 by means of the. bomb arming device 16.

A first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGURES 2and 3 of the drawings, wherein there is shown a casing 17 having acavity 18 in one end and a circular channel or groove 19 in the otherend. A portion of the outer periphery of casing 17 is provided withthreads 21 that engage with thethreads in a receptacle well of a bomb11. Two lugs 22 and 23 are provided on the outer periphery of the casing17 which accommodate a spanner wrench for tightening casing 17 in thereceptacle well of a bomb. A passageway 24 connects cavity 18 with thecircular channel 19, and an arming cable 25, that is retained in channel19, passes through passageway .24 and has one end terminated Withincavity 18. The other end of arming cable 25 is attached to connector 26.Arming cable 25, which by way of example, is comprised of electricalconductors 27 and 28, shield 29, and outer elastic covering 31, isretained in channel 19 by restrictions which are formed by projections31 and 32 on the sides of the channel walls, as shown in FIGURE 6- ofthe drawings. Arming cable 25 is also retained in groove 19' by pin 20which is fitted in one of a group of holes 30, as best shown in FIGURE 7of the drawings.

Referring particularly to FIGURE 3 of the drawings, there is shown acylinder 33 which is provided with a flange portion 34 that engages withthe inner wall of casing 17. Cylinder 33- is comprised of insulatingmaterial and flange portion 34 is attached to casing 17 by pressfitting,cementing, or any other suitable means. A signal input pin 35 isattached to the bottom portion 36 of cylinder 33 and a ground returnring 37 is attached to flange portion 3 4. Both the signal input pin 35and the ground return ring 37 make electrical contact with contacts located in the bomb 11, as shown in FIGURE 5 of the drawings, when thebomb arming unit 16 is threaded into the receptacle well of the bomb.

A cylindrical piston 38 is provided within cavity 18 and a compressionspring 39 is seated inside the bore 41 of pistono8 in order to drive thepiston downwardly. A guide rod 42 is provided on cylinder 33 forpreventing rotation of piston 38. A tapered contaet 43 is provided onthe bottom of piston 38 and is adaptable for engaging with a hole 44 inthe signal input pin 35. Tapered contact 43 is connected to electricalconductor 28 through lead 45, which passes through slit 46 in cylinder33, and througha plurality of attenuators 47. The otherconductor 27 incable 25 is connected through a plurality of attenuators 48 to pin 49which is electrically connected to the ground return ring 37. A pin 51'is retained in hole 52 in casing 17 and hole '53 in cylinder 33 andengageswith a detent 54 in piston '38. Pin '51 is retained in positionby a ferrule 55 which is provided on arming cable 25. in operation ofthe embodiment shown in FIGURES 2 and 3 of the drawings, the casing 17is threadedly engaged in the receptacle well of a bomb 11 and the signalinput pin 35 and ground return ring 37 make electrical contact with thearming fuse circuit 61 whichis located in the bomb .1'1. Armingcable .25is positioned in groove [19 and pin 20 is selectively'placed in one ofthe holes 30. Also a safety pin '62 is provided to prevent theaccidental removal of the arming cable 25 from groove 19. Cylindricalpiston 3-8 is in'a naised'position and is maintained in this position bypin '51 which is prevented from moving by arming cable 25. After thebomb 11 is hooked into theibomb rack 12, connector 26 is coupled with amating connector that is in the aircraft, and safety pin 62 is removed.

Immediately prior to release of the bomb 11, a voltage V is applied atthe connector 26. As the bomb 11 is released from the bomb rack, armingcable 25 begins to pull out of groove 19 due to the fact that connector26 is still.

attached to a mating connector in the aircraft. When the portion of thearming cable 25 containing the ferrule 55 leaves the groove 19, theforce of spring 39 pushes pin 51 laterally and then spring 39 drivespiston 38 downwardly so that tapered contact 43 engages hole 44in thesignal input'pin 35. When contact 43 engages pin 35 the electricalcircuit is complete and the current from voltagesource V arms the fuse63 in bomb 1 1. The flow of current is as follows: From voltage source Vthrough lead 28 in arming cable 25, through attenuators 47, throughcontact 43 and pin 65 and then to the fuse 63. The return circuit isfrom fuse 63, through ground return ring 37, through pin 49, throughattenuators 48, and then through lead 27 in arming cable 25 and back tothe voltage source V When contact 43 engages the signal input pin 35,the current from voltage source V flows through fuse 63, and armingcable 25 continues to be pulled out from groove 19 in a counterclockwisemotion, as viewed in FIGURE '2 of the drawings. However, when theportion of the arming cable beneath pin 20 starts to pull out of groove'19, pin 20* prevents any. further pulling out,

andconnector 26 is separated from the mating connector in the aircraft.It can be seen that from the time contact 43 engages signal input pin-35until the time that connector 26 separates from the mating connector inthe aircraft, voltage source V is connected across fuse 63 in bomb 11.IR should therefore now be obvious to those skilled in the art that byselectively placing pin 20 in different holes 30, the length of timethat the fuse 63 is subjected to voltage V can be changed.

Normally the bomb arming unit of the present invention is intended tobean expendable item and the switch will be actuated only one time,however, meansare provided for resetting the switch shown in FIGURE 3 ofthe drawing. -As access hole65 is provided in the top of casing 17 andis normally closed by screw 66. When screw 66 is removed, a rod, whichis threaded on one gaged with the top of contact 43. Piston 38 can thenbe raised and the arming unit can be reset.

Referring now to 'FIGURE 4 of the drawings, another embodiment of thepresent invention" is shown that employs a snap actionswitch 71 that,when actuated, completes the circuit from voltage source V through fuse63. Switch 71, which is a normally-closed switch is attached insidecasing v17 by screws 72. One switch terminal 73 is connected toconductor '28, and a second switch terminal 74 is connected through lead75 to the signal input pin 35. Pin'51, when in position, pushes againstlever actuator 76 which, in turn, depresses pin plunger 77. Pin 51 isheld in position by fernule which is on arming cable 25.

In openation, switch 71, which is a normally-closed switch, is held openby pin 5-1 which depresses pin plunger 77 is actuated to close thecircuit between voltage source, V and fuse 63.

It can thus. be seen that the present invention provides an improvedbomb arming device that is not adversely affected by radiant energy.Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible.

in the light of the above teachings. 'It is therefore to be understood,that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may bepracticed otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is: a

1. A disposable bomb arming unit compirsing:

(a) a casing having a cavity in one end and a circular channel intheother end, a

(b) an electrically insulated base, plate closing said cavity, v a

(c) a'first electrical conductor attached to saidbase plate,

(d) a second electrical conductor slidably mounted within said cavity, f

(e) a flexible arming cable having one end connected to'said secondelectrical conductor and having a portion of its length stowable inrsaidcircular channel, and

(f) means engaging said flexible arming cable for separating said firstelectrical conductor from said second electrical conductor when saidflexible arming cable is stowed in said circular channel. I

2. A disposable bomb arming unit as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidchannel is provided with at least one restriction for facilitating theretention of said flexible arm- (a) a casing having a cavity in one endand a circular channel in the other end,

(b) an electrically insulated base plate closing said cavity, j

(c) a first electrical conductor .attached to said base plate,

(d) a piston slidably mounted in said cavity,

(e) a second electrical conductor attached to said piston,

(f): a flexible arming cable having one end connected to said secondelectrical conductor and having a portion of itslength stowable in saidcircular channel, and

(g) a pin having one end engaging said piston and the other end engagingsaid flexible arming cable whereby movement of said piston is preventedwhile said flexible arming cable is stowed in' said circular channel. 1

4. A disposable bomb arming unit comprising:

(a) a casing having a cavity in one endand a circular channel in theother end,

(b) an electrically insulated base plate closing said cavity,

(c) a first electrical conductor attached to said base plate,

(d) a. piston slidably mounted in said cavity,

(e) a second electrical conductor attached to said piston,

(f) a flexible arming cable having one end connected to said secondelectrical conductor and having a portion of its length stowable in saidcircular channel,

(g) a pin having one end engaging said piston and the other end engagingsaid flexible arming cable Whereby movement of said piston is preventedwhile said flexible arming cable is stowed in said circular channel, and

(h) means for adjustably locking 'difierent portions of said flexiblearming cable in said circular channel.

5. A disposable bomb arming unit comprising:

(a) a casing having a cavity in one end and a circular channel in theother end,

(b) an electrically insulated base plate closing said cavity,

(c) a first electrical conductor attached to said base plate,

(d) a piston slidably mounted in said cavity,

(e) spring means engaging said piston for driving said piston,

(f) a second electrical-conductor attached to said piston,

(g) a flexible arming cable having one end connected to said secondelectrical conductor and having a portion of its length stowable in saidcircular channel,

(h) a pin having one end engaging said piston and the other end engagingsaid flexible arming cable whereby movement of said piston is preventedwhile said flexible arming cable is stowed in said circular channel, and

(1) means for adjustably locking different portions of said flexiblearming cable in said circular channel.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,721,913 Kent Oct. 25, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 561,665 Great Britain May30, 1944 1,057,380 France Oct. 28, 1953

1. A DISPOSABLE BOMB ARMING UNIT COMPRISING: (A) A CASING HAVING ACAVITY IN ONE END AND A CIRCULAR CHANNEL IN THE OTHER END, (B) ANELECTRICALLY INSULATED BASE PLATE CLOSING SAID CAVITY, (C) A FIRSTELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR ATTACHED TO SAID BASE PLATE, (D) A SECONDELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR SLIDABLY MOUNTED WITHIN SAID CAVITY, (E) A FLEXIBLEARMING CABLE HAVING ONE END CONNECTED TO SAID SECOND ELECTRICALCONDUCTOR AND HAVING A PORTION OF ITS LENGTH STOWABLE IN SAID CIRCULARCHANNEL, AND (F) MEANS ENGAGING SAID FLEXIBLE ARMING CABLE FORSEPARATING SAID FIRST ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR FROM SAID SECOND ELECTRICALCONDUCTOR WHEN SAID FLEXIBLE ARMING CABLE IS STOWED IN SAID CIRCULARCHANNEL.